Week 8 of the 2022 NFL season concluded when the Cleveland Browns beat the Cincinnati Bengals 32-13 in Monday Night Football on October 31 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The hosts led for the majority of the game and registered a much-needed victory to break their four-game losing streak.
Browns wide receiver Nick Chubb and quarterback Jacoby Brissett were the standout performers in the game. While the game started slowly as both teams were unable to score in the first quarter, it soon took a clear turn in the favour of the hosts, however, the visitors also made their abilities known in the fourth and final quarter.
Let’s take a look at the highlights from the game.
The Cincinnati Bengals struggled to score
Both sides began underwhelmingly in the game, failing to score points in the first quarter. However, the Cleveland Browns soon registered their first points and ran to a 25-0 lead in the fourth quarter.
In hindsight, the Cincinnati Bengals offense looked toothless in the first three quarters and could only score in the penultimate quarter. Their first point was scored with a touchdown by wide receiver Tyler Boyd, while a second touchdown by Tee Higgins capped their game. These were also their only touchdowns in the entire game.
Amari Cooper was the backbone of the Browns’ passing game
As the Cleveland Browns outclassed the Cincinnati Bengals with their passing game, wide receiver Amari Cooper emerged as their primary outlet. The 28-year-old registered 5 receptions out of 7 targets for 131 yards, 1 receiving touchdown and 5 receiving first downs against the Bengals and had the second-highest passing yards among all Browns players.
It was also Cooper’s third game with more than 100 receiving yards and at least one receiving touchdown in the ongoing season. He became the first Browns wide receiver since Josh Gordon in 2013 to achieve the feat.
Nick Chubb led the Browns’ offense from the front
Arguably the standout player on the field for the Cleveland Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, the 26-year-old running back led the offense from the front. He rushed a total of 23 times for 101 yards and scored two touchdowns, helping his side to register the 32-13 victory.
It was also the fifth time for Chubb in the ongoing season that he registered 100-yards or more in rushing in a single game. He is also leading the charts in the NFL in rushing yards (841).
Also Read: Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins scores 41-yard TD vs Cleveland Browns: Watch
Cincinnati Bengals defense struggled against the Browns’ offense
While the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense started the game brightly, they could not retain the energy throughout the game. After the first quarter ended 0-0, they conceded 11 points in the second quarter and trailed going into the break.
In the second half, the Bengals allowed a total of 21 points, but by that time, their defense seemed fatigued as they failed to stop the Browns’ offense from gaining ground.
